The loss of a generational line is not one I was expecting to struggle with quite as much as I have. But with Sean's grandfather's death two months ago leaving only one grandparent in our family, Sean also connected tonight that Grandpa Ed's passing now left no one in that role...

My kids knew the love of some awesome great-grandparents, though. That's a gift I never experienced, and I'm confident they are better for it.

These men and women of tremendous strength and humility all lived love out loud until the very end. In their own ways, they each showed me what grace is and taught me how to offer it to others.

They loved well, they lived well, they sacrificed much, and I am blessed to come from such a line.

In days of such upheaval in my spiritual family of origin, I am so thankful to have known this gift of a family that did hard things, even when they weren't popular.

May I be known as their descendant.

Hug your people, friends. Love big; life is short.